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The Z650RS is the clear headliner among their Kawasaki's 2022 releases. Four other models — two street and two dirt — might also tickle your fancy as variations of popular models.
Here’s the rest of the ‘22s. The major theme connecting all of them is modified suspension over the previous models, plus additional hardware and tech for the three non-budget bikes.
2022 Kawasaki Z900 SE
The Z900 gets the SE treatment with this upgraded variation. The big news here is the addition of an Öhlins S46 rear shock with remote adjustable preload and adjustable rebound damping. The Z900 SE also picks up a pair of Brembo M4.32 Monobloc calipers. Zack praised the base Z900’s suspension in his first ride review, but these improvements make the Z sharper than ever.
The only downside is an increase in weight by seven pounds (469.7 wet, claimed) and a price jump from the base’s $9,099 to $10,699. It would have been nice to see better tires included with that price, but they’ll still appeal to riders who start upgrading suspension and brakes regardless.
2022 Kawasaki Z900 RS SE
The Z900RS retro is heavily based on the Z900, so Kawasaki took the opportunity to give their retro the SE treatment, as well. The Öhlins S46 rear shock and Brembo M4.32 Monobloc calipers are carried over, along with gold anodization for the fork tubes to match the shock… even though the fork is not an Öhlins unit.
The coolest improvement, although the least useful, is a limited reissue of Kawasaki’s iconic “Yellow Ball” paint that goes back to the original Z bikes. The SE paint and suspension carry a $2,000 premium over the base RS, although weight somehow decreased slightly to 472 pounds.
2022 Kawasaki KLX230S and KLX230S ABS
Moving to the dirt/dual-sport world, Kawasaki continues their streak of suspension alterations for the KLX230S and KLX230 ABS. These are a shortened versions of the trusty KLX230 for riders who want an easier time getting a foot down in the dirt.
Seat height has been reduced from 34.8 inches to 32.7 inches, with corresponding travel reductions of about two inches front and rear. Even so, reducing seat height and suspension travel is generally preferable to ditching the 21/18 wheelset like some of the “small wheel” dual-sports and dirt bikes offered by Japanese manufacturers in the past. The base KLX230S is $4,799, or $5,099 with ABS.
2022 Kawasaki KX450SR
SR stands for “Special Racer,” according to Kawasaki, and this limited model gets upgrades from nose to tail with a race replica treatment based on the ‘21 Monster Energy Kawasaki factory motocross bike. Team Green’s race partners supply a range of performance parts for this unique model intended for hardcore enthusiasts.
There’s a Pro Circuit Ti-6 Pro titanium race exhaust, XTRIG ROCS-TECH triple clamps, a Progressive Handlebar Dampening System (PHDS, also from XTRIG), DID Dirt Star ST-X alloy rims, a DID gold chain, a Renthal rear sprocket, a Hinson clutch cover, and KYB front suspension with Diamond-Like Coating (DLC) on the fork inner tubes for the factory racer look. Factory-style graphics complete the look. Finally, the KX450SR gets polished intake ports and special FI mapping for sharpest performance. Pretend you’re on the Monster Energy Kawasaki race team for $12,399.
More new models are coming in November, but for now, it seems like Kawi is focused on getting more out of their existing line with alterations and special editions. Check back in a month or so for more coverage of green machines.
